DE69707913T2 - METHOD FOR STORING BUNDLED OBJECTS - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of storing bundled items such as electrical cords or cables (12) is provided by using a handcuff-like element (10) having jaws (14,16) that self-sustain an open position while the bundled item (12) is inserted therein and which traverse a fixed path or trajectory to close on the bundled item (12) to store same.

Description

Background of the invention I. Field of the invention

The invention relates to the storage of bundled objects and in particular to the storage of electrical cables.

II. State of the art

Storing electrical cables is a challenge in many ways. Many people simply leave their cables in a pile. This does not look good and can pose a safety risk. If cables are not better organized, storing them can become a nightmare. Just think of laptop users trying to untangle cables from their briefcase in a busy airport!

Typically, cable ties, cable clamps, cable ties or fastening bands can be used to reduce these problems. However, these devices are very difficult to use and require great dexterity. In particular, closing these connectors around a bundle of cables is a real challenge because the ends slip so easily. Some of the devices, particularly fastening bands such as those used to close garbage bags, are not attractive, have a short lifespan and can pose a risk of injury due to the metal wire they contain. Other cable organizers have been proposed, but they tend to be quite bulky and also require a lot of manipulation. For example, some cable organizers are shaped like an open ring, the ends of which are usually pressed together. The ends can be temporarily held apart by the user to insert a cable. Bundled cables are difficult to insert into such a device because the ends are usually pressed into or almost into the closed position.

US Patent 3,660,869 describes a one-piece cable connector comprising an elongated flexible strip, one end of which has a locking device comprising a toothed latch which engages teeth at the other end of the strip.

GB Patent 1 224 535 describes a plastic clip made up of two arms pivotally connected at one end. At the other end, one of the arms has a peg with locking ridges on either side, while the other arm has eyelets which spring into the locking ridges when the two arms are pressed together. When the two arms are connected, they form at least one opening shaped to accommodate a long object.

Summary of the invention

A method is provided of using a device for handling or storing one or more objects, the device comprising a pair of substantially rigid jaw members each having a hinge end and an outer end, with an inner retaining surface and an outer pressure surface extending between the ends of the jaw members connected together at their hinge ends such that the jaw members (i) have a first, self-retaining open position in which the outer ends are well spaced apart and the inner retaining surfaces are substantially non-opposing, (ii) have a second, closed position in which the outer ends are engaged and the inner retaining surfaces are in opposing relationship, and (iii) are self-aligned such that the outer ends automatically engage one another upon the application of pressure to the outer pressure surfaces, the method comprising: placing the jaw members in the first open position, passing the one or more objects through a jaw members in the open position and displacing the jaw members into a closed position with the one or more objects therein by exerting pressure on the outer pressure surfaces of the jaw members until the inner retaining surfaces engage against the one or more objects, characterized in that the jaw members can assume a plurality of possible second, closed positions to provide a range of adjustment, the displacing step comprising displacing the jaw members to one of the possible second, closed positions.

A device for handling or storing one or more objects comprising a pair of substantially rigid jaw members, each jaw member having a hinge end and an outer end with an inner retaining surface and an outer pressure surface extending between the ends of the jaw member, the jaw members being connected to one another at their hinge ends so that the jaw members (i) have a first, self-retaining open position, in which the outer ends are well spaced from one another and the inner retaining surfaces are substantially non-opposite to define an article receiving gap whereby the one or more articles can be passed into and between the jaw members without requiring external pressure to maintain the jaw members in the open position, (ii) having a second, closed position in which the outer ends are engaged and the inner retaining surfaces are in an opposed relationship, and (iii) are self-aligned such that the outer ends automatically engage one another upon application of pressure to the outer pressure surfaces, characterized in that the jaw members can assume a plurality of possible second, closed positions, the outer ends being engaged in each of these positions to provide a range of adjustment, and the jaw members being in one of the second, closed positions for handling or storing the one or more articles.

The invention provides a method for picking up bundled objects, for example electrical cables, which eliminates the aforementioned disadvantages. To this end, according to the inventive concept, bundled objects are accommodated simply and neatly by using a pair of rigid jaw elements connected to one another in an articulated manner with a self-holding opening position. A detailed description is given below to explain the inventive concept.

Fig. 1 is a perspective, partially cutaway view of a handcuff-like element in a fully opened position for receiving a bundle of electrical cables according to the method of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective, partially cutaway view of the handcuff-like element of Fig. 1 in a closed position in which the electrical cable bundle is held.

Figures 3A to 3D are perspective views of a long electrical cable being bundled for description of the method of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the handcuff-like element for use in accordance with the method of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a second alternate embodiment of the self-aligning device for receiving bundled articles.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of the self-aligning device for receiving bundled articles.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment of the self-aligning device for receiving bundled articles.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment of the self-aligning device for receiving bundled articles.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a sixth alternative embodiment of the self-aligning device for receiving bundled objects, and

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the handcuff-like element of Fig. 1 in use with bundled cable.

Detailed description of the drawings

Figures 1 and 2 show the handcuff-like element 10 which can be used to hold a long object, for example an electrical cable 12 (Figure 3A), which may have connector elements 13 at its ends and which has been folded into a bundle (Figures 3C and 3D). The handcuff-like element 10 has a pair of substantially rigid jaw elements 14, 16, each having the hinge 18 or 20 at the proximal end and the locking end 22 or 24 at the distal, i.e. outer, end. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the joint ends 18, 20 are directly connected to one another by means of a rivet 26, which serves as an axis about which the jaw elements 14, 16 can be pivoted relative to one another from the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 to the closed position shown in Fig. 2, which is immediately apparent from the figures.

The proximal end 28 of the jaw element 14 has a retaining surface 30 on the inside and a pressure surface 32 on the outside, which run from the articulating end 18 to the closing end 22. The distal side 34 of the jaw element 14 branches off at an angle from the proximal end 28, so that the jaw element 14 has an overall C-shape. The top 36 of the distal end 34 of the jaw element 14 is serrated (38) for reasons described in more detail below. The proximal end 40 of the jaw element 16 has the retaining surface 42 on the inside and the pressure surface 44 on the outside, which run from the articulating end 20 to the closing end 24. The distal end of the jaw element 16 forms a housing 46 with a curved channel 48 which extends between the distal tip 50 and the back bar 52. A locking element in the form of a Latch 54 attached to the actuating button 56 which is elastically attached to the housing 46 and extends into the opening 58 in the top 60 of the housing 46.

In both jaw members 14 and 16, the inner retaining surfaces 30 and 42 are slightly curved so that in the fully open position (Fig. 1) the inner surfaces almost entirely do not face each other, except perhaps at the distal ends of the jaw members.

The substantially rigid nature of the jaw members 14, 16 and the function of the axis 26 enable a certain function of the jaw members which is advantageous for receiving bundled objects. To this end, the fully open position shown in Fig. 1 is self-retaining, i.e. the handcuff-like member 10 remains in the fully open position with the locking ends widely spaced apart and forms the bundle receiving space 70 between the two parts, the inner retaining surfaces 30 and 42, as already mentioned, substantially not facing each other. The rivet 26 presses the opposing surfaces of the hinge ends 18 and 20 together so that the frictional engagement between them is maintained and the member 10 thus remains in the open position. Likewise, the jaw members 14, 16 are self-aligning so that the jaw members move toward each other in a substantially fixed path (indicated by double arrow T) when pressure is applied to the pressure surfaces 32 and 44. This ensures that the closing end 22 of the jaw member 14 is received in the closing end 24 of the jaw member 16 without any further action when the jaw members 14, 16 are pressed together. When the jaw members 14, 16 are pressed together, they reach the closed position shown in Fig. 2 in which the closing end 22 engages the closing end 24 and the inner retaining surfaces 30 and 42 face each other.

To facilitate retention of the handcuff-like member 10 in the closed position shown in Fig. 2, teeth 38, which may be oriented rearwardly as shown in Fig. 1, cooperate with the latch 54 such that when the closing end 22 of the jaw member 14 is inserted into the channel 48, the latch 54 slides over the teeth 38 and engages, generally preventing the jaw member 14 from disengaging from the closing end 24 of the jaw member 16. When the button 56 is actuated by pressing on the surface 57, the latch 54 is temporarily forced upwardly within the channel 48, thereby disengaging the teeth 38 and allowing the handcuff-like member 10 to be opened.

The handcuff-like element 10 can be made of durable, compliant plastic (e.g., ABS), metal, or other conventional material such as wood, or a combination of two or more conventional materials using known manufacturing techniques. For example, if metal and plastic are used, the axle (e.g., rivet 26) and latch 54 should be made of metal and the remainder of plastic.

In practice, a long object, for example an electrical cable 12, is to be accommodated in the handcuff-like element 10 in bundled form, i.e. folded into several longer, superimposed sections S. In this case, the thickness or width W of the object 12 increases many times (while its length decreases greatly) by folding in a known manner. The cable 12 can, for example, be folded as shown in Fig. 3A - 3D by folding it to half its length (Fig. 3B) and then to half its length again (Fig. 3C). This halving of the length can be repeated as often as desired until the cable 12 is bundled in the manner preferred by the user. Alternatively, the cable 12 can be repeatedly folded in sections (sections S) until the bundle shown in Fig. 3D is formed, or the cable 12 can be wrapped crosswise around the hand or fingers and then compressed with the same result. Thus, a bundle is formed whose width WB is a multiple of the width W (e.g., at least 2 times, preferably at least 4 to 8 times). The cable 12 can be connected to a device in use, for example a PC 80 as shown in Fig. 10, either before or after bundling and both before and after clamping as described below.

The jaw members 14, 16 are placed in the self-retaining open position shown in Fig. 1, which is maintained without the need for the user to apply further pressure to the jaw members 14 or 16. While the handcuff-like member 10 is in the self-retaining open position, the bundle (e.g., the bundled cable 12 of Fig. 3C or Fig. 3D) is inserted into the handcuff-like member 10 through the bundle receiving space 70 by either pushing it into the member 10 or placing the opened member 10 over the bundle. Pressure is then applied to the pressure surfaces 32 and 44 in the usual manner to move the closing ends 22, 24 of the jaw members 14, 16 into the closed position until the inner retaining surfaces 30 and 42 have gripped the bundled article 12, as indicated in dashed lines in Fig. 2. The bundled cable 12 is thus kept as a small, compact bundle even during use (Fig. 5), by means of an easily by means of an easy-to-use handcuff-like element and without the difficult-to-use and unsightly elements present in the prior art.

In addition, the surfaces 32, 44 and 46, respectively, are relatively wide and can therefore be provided with a marking (as shown at 90 or 92). The marking surfaces can be provided with a label on which advertising claims, instructions or product names can be written (e.g. Christmas tree candles, extension cables, PC cables, etc.). The marking can be permanent or replaceable and can be applied by embossing, hot stamping, printing, adhesive label or hand-written with a marking pen.

Fig. 4 shows the handcuff-like element 100 of another embodiment of the invention, which can be used according to the method according to the invention. Here, the jaw elements 114, 116 correspond to the jaw elements 14, 16, but the hinge ends 118, 120 are not connected to each other via an axis but via a hinge band 140. The handcuff-like element 100 (including the hinge band 140) can be made of the same plastic as the handcuff-like element 10, but with less plastic in the hinge band 140 because of additional recesses in the hinge ends 118 and 120 of the jaw elements 114, 116, so that the hinge band 140 can be bent over when the jaw elements 114 and 116 are pressed into the closed position (as shown in Fig. 2).

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the wrist band 140 could be made of a different grade or type of plastic. In this case, a rotary press (not shown) could be used in which two or more different types or grades of plastic are injected into the same cavity in two or more different areas to produce a one-piece product. In this way, the handcuff-like element 100' could be made mostly of a less flexible plastic, while the wrist band 140' would be made of a more flexible plastic. Alternatively, the same plastic could be cured in different ways so that the majority of the handcuff-like element 100' is less flexible than the wrist band 140'. In this embodiment, no additional recesses need to be provided in the area of the hinge band 140' to reduce the amount of plastic in the hinge band 140', because a more flexible plastic is then used in this area, which allows the flexible closing of the element 100'.

The flexibility of the band 140 helps to press the jaw elements 114, 116 into the open position so that the handcuff-like element 100 automatically remains in the open position (as in Fig. 1) if it is not closed. The handling of the handcuff-like elements 100 and 100' is otherwise identical to that of the handcuff-like element 10.

Because the closing end 22 and the insertion channel 48 may shift slightly relative to one another when the element 100' of Fig. 5 is closed, the insertion channel 48 may be provided with a guide surface 150 at its opening which receives the closing end 22. This guide surface provides the closing end 22 with a large receiving opening with beveled sides which guide the closing end 22 into the channel 48 when the element 100' is closed around a cable bundle. A similar or different guide surface may also be provided in this or the other embodiments of the invention shown in other figures.

According to Fig. 6, the element 151, another embodiment of the invention, has a region 152 made of sufficiently elastic plastic or other material so that the entire region 152 assumes an arc shape when pressure is exerted with the fingers on the outer pressure surfaces 32' and 44' of the element 151. In this case too, a slight displacement between the closing end 22 and the channel 48 when the element 151 is closed is compensated by a guide surface 150 which guides the closing end 22 into the channel 48.

According to Fig. 7, the element 153, another embodiment of the invention, has a pinch fold 154 in its central region where the molded plastic has greater flexibility, so that when pressure is applied to the outer pressure surfaces 32" and 44", the element 153 folds around the pinch fold 154, whereby the closing end 22 is inserted into the channel 48 in a self-aligned manner. Here too, the channel 48 has a guide surface 150. It can be seen that a curve can be formed at the junction between the distal end 34' and the proximal end 28' of the jaw element shown in Fig. 7, instead of a right-angled bend. In addition, teeth may be provided over a longer section, for example over the entire length from the closing end 22 across the pressure surface 32" to the crimp 154, thereby providing a greater range of adjustment when the jaw members are in the closed position. Furthermore, the crimp 154 may be provided at any location between the closing end 22 and the channel 48, provided that the end 22 and the channel 48 are self-aligning when the end 22 and the channel 48 are compressed, thereby potentially further increasing the range of adjustment.

In the embodiments of the invention shown in Fig. 1 and 2, additional recesses are incorporated in the jaw elements 14 and 16. According to Fig. 8 and 9, in the handcuff-like element 156, another embodiment similar to the element 10 shown in Fig. 1 and 2, only one such recess 158 needs to be formed in one of the jaw elements 14' or 14" or 16' or 16". In Fig. 8, a recess is provided in the jaw element 16' which is sufficiently large to allow the closing end 22 to be aligned with the channel 48. In Fig. 9, a recess 159 is formed in the jaw element 14" which is sufficiently large to allow the closing end 22 to be aligned with the channel 48. It should be noted that no additional recesses are provided in the jaw element 14' of Fig. 8 or in the jaw element 16" of Fig. 9 because the dimensions of the recesses 158 and 159 are sufficient to allow the closing end 22 to be aligned with the channel 48.

Specifically, referring to Fig. 9, it can be seen that the engagement between jaw members 14" and 15" can be maintained by a structure formed at the articulation between these members rather than by the structure formed at the outer end of the members. In particular, as can be seen from Fig. 9, jaw members 14" and 16" can have interlocking knurled teeth 161 at articulation ends 18" and 20" such that jaw members 14" and 16" frictionally engage with a force sufficient to firmly hold members 14" and 16" together in a bundle. The frictional engagement between members 14" and 16" can be counteracted by manually applying force to members 14" and 16" causing knurled teeth 161 to slide past each other so that the jaw members can be closed or opened. It is to be understood that a similar frictional engagement can be provided at the articulating ends 18 and 20 of the handcuff-like member in any of the embodiments and illustrations discussed herein. In addition, another frictional connection structure, such as a mechanical ratchet, could also be provided at the articulating connection between the jaw members of any embodiment or illustration discussed herein.

It will be understood that the structure holding the jaw members 14, 16 together may be releasable or non-releasable. For applications where the structures disclosed are in relatively permanent use (e.g., in the manufacture of electronics), a releasable engagement is not required, so a non-releasable structure may be used; for example, the actuating button 56 for releasing the latch 54 may be omitted in the locking construction shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, possibly reducing the Reduce manufacturing costs. Other non-detachable mechanical or frictional engagement structures can also be used.

While the invention has been illustrated by describing embodiments of the invention, advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, although the bundled article 12 is illustrated as a single long piece folded into itself, the bundle could of course also consist of several separate, typically more or less long pieces combined into a bundle. In addition, a flat article, such as a cloth, could be folded into a bundle and collected in the same way as a bundle of electrical cables. Thus, if several superimposed sections of an article or several articles form the bundle, each of which looks as shown in Fig. 2, the result is a bundle whose width or thickness is significantly greater than any individual part in the bundle. In addition, various design changes are possible. For example, it is obvious that the tooth structure and the pawl can be replaced by other cooperating locking elements. Less pronounced teeth or a different number of teeth can also be used. Also, the rivet 26 could be replaced by a screw, self-retaining retainer or the like. In the member 100, the hinge band 140 can be formed by ultrasonically welding the jaw members 114, 116 together at their hinge ends. In addition, the handcuff-like member 10 can be provided with a spring hinge or spring lock (not shown) that helps to maintain the jaw members 14, 16 in the open position without the application of external pressure, as is achieved by the hinge band 140 of the member 100. In addition, the handcuff-like member can be manufactured separately from the bundled article for which it is used, or it can be connected thereto; for example, the handcuff-like element may be permanently connected to a cord or strap on an electrical cable that is bundled together, or it may be partially or completely formed as part of the bundled article, for example partially incorporated into the plug of an electrical cable.

Claims (16)

1. A method of using a device for handling or storing one or more objects (12), the device comprising a pair of substantially rigid jaw members (14, 16, 114, 116, 14', 16', 14", 16") each having a hinge end (18, 20, 118, 120) and an outer end (22, 24), with an inner retaining surface (30, 42), and an outer pressure surface (32, 44, 32', 44', 32", 44") extending between the ends of the jaw members (14, 16, 114, 116, 14', 16', 14", 16"), which are connected to one another at their hinge ends, so that the jaw members (i) have a first self-retaining open position in which the outer ends (22, 24) are well spaced from each other and the inner retaining surfaces (30, 42) are substantially non-opposing, (ii) have a second, closed position in which the outer ends (22, 24) are engaged and the inner retaining surfaces (30, 42) are in opposing relationship, and (iii) are self-aligned so that the outer ends automatically engage one another upon application of pressure to the outer pressure surfaces (32, 44, 32', 44', 32", 44"), the method comprising: placing the jaw members in the first, open position, passing the one or more objects through a gap (70) defined by the jaw members in the open position, and placing the jaw members (14, 16, 114, 116, 14', 16', 14", 16") in a closed position with the object or objects therein by applying pressure to the outer pressure surfaces (32, 44, 32', 44', 32", 44") of the jaw members until the inner retaining surfaces (30, 42) are against the one or more objects grab, characterized in that the jaw members (14, 16, 114, 116, 14', 16', 14", 16") can assume a plurality of possible second, closed positions to provide a range of adjustment, wherein the displacing step comprises displacing the jaw members to one of the possible second, closed positions. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising bundling the one or more articles so that the dimension of the bundle is greater than the dimension of each article in the bundle, and passing the bundled article through the space (70) defined by the jaw members (14, 16, 114, 116, 14', 16', 14", 16") in the first position of the device. 3. The method of claim 1, designed for handling or storing a fabric article, further comprising folding the fabric article and passing the folded fabric article through the gap (70) defined by the jaw members (14, 16, 114, 116, 14', 16', 14", 16") in the first position of the device. 4. Device for handling or storing one or more objects with a pair of substantially rigid jaw members (14, 16, 114, 116, 14', 16', 14", 16"), each jaw member having a hinge end (18, 20, 118, 120) and an outer end (20, 24) with an inner retaining surface (30, 42) and an outer pressure surface (32, 44, 32', 44', 32", 44") extending between the ends of the jaw member, the jaw members being connected to one another at their hinge ends so that the jaw members (i) have a first self-retaining open position in which the outer ends (2024) are well spaced apart and the inner retaining surfaces (30, 42) are substantially non-opposite to define an article receiving gap (70) whereby the one or more articles can be passed into and between the jaw members without requiring external pressure to maintain the jaw members in the open position, (ii) has a second, closed position in which the outer ends (22, 24) are engaged and the inner retaining surfaces (30, 42) are in an opposing relationship, and (iii) are self-aligned in such a way that the outer ends automatically engage one another when pressure is applied to the outer pressure surfaces, characterized in that the jaw members (14, 16, 114, 116, 14', 16', 14", 16") can assume a plurality of possible second, closed positions, the outer ends (22, 24) being engaged in each of these positions to provide a range of adjustment, and the jaw members (14, 16, 114, 116, 14', 16', 14", 16") are in one of the second, closed positions for handling or storing the one or more objects. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein one of the jaw members is integrally attached to a handled or stored object. 6. Apparatus according to either claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising an axis (26) connecting the jaw members (14, 96) together. 7. Device according to either claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising a hinge band (140, 140') connecting the jaw elements (114, 116) together. 8. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein at least one jaw element has a marking surface (32, 44, 46) and further a label (90, 92) attached to the marking surface. 9. Device according to one of claims 4 to 8, further comprising an engagement mechanism (38, 54) at the outer ends of the jaw members. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the engagement mechanism includes barbed teeth (38) on a first of the jaw members and a locking member (54) for engaging the teeth on a second of the jaw members. 11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the locking element (54) has an engaging position and a releasing position. 12. Device according to claim 11, wherein the locking element (54) is driven into its engaging position by a spring force and must be manually pressed from its engaging position into its releasing position. 13. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the teeth (38) and the locking element (54) are formed on the outer pressure surfaces (32' 44', 321 ", 44") of the jaw elements. 14. Device according to one of claims 4 to 13, further comprising an engagement mechanism (161) at the hinge end of the jaw elements. 15. Device according to claim 14, wherein the engagement mechanism has counter teeth (161) in the jaw elements at their joint ends. 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the engagement mechanism includes abutting friction surfaces on the jaw members at their hinge ends.